Did you know that Wix and Google Sites are the two most popular website builders in the market? They provide users with powerful tools to create stunning websites without any coding knowledge. But when it comes to choosing the best platform for your website development needs, understanding the differences between Wix and Google Sites is crucial.
From pricing to features, templates to ease of use, these platforms offer distinct advantages and limitations. In this article, I will walk you through 9 crucial differences between Wix and Google Sites, helping you make an informed decision for your website building journey.
Key Takeaways:
- Wix and Google Sites are the top website builders in the market.
- Wix is a paid platform, while Google Sites is free.
- Wix offers 800+ templates, while Google Sites has only a few.
- Wix has excellent customer support, while Google Sites has reliable support.
- Wix has fully integrated ecommerce plans, while Google Sites is suitable for basic ecommerce.
How to install Wix or Google Sites
Installing Wix or Google Sites is a straightforward process that can be completed in just a few simple steps. Whether you choose Wix or Google Sites as your website builder, getting started is quick and easy.
Installing Wix
To install Wix and begin building your website, follow these steps:
- Go to the Wix website and sign up for a free account.
- Once signed in, you’ll be prompted to choose a template from Wix’s extensive collection of 800+ designs.
- Select a template that suits your needs, whether you’re creating a blog, e-commerce site, or portfolio.
- Customize your chosen template by adding your own text, images, and other content.
- Explore the various features and tools available in the Wix Editor to enhance your website’s functionality.
- Once you’re satisfied with your design, preview your website and make any final adjustments.
- When you’re ready to go live, simply publish your site and share it with the world.
Installing Google Sites
Follow these steps to install Google Sites and start creating your website:
- Open Google Sites in your web browser.
- If you need any assistance during the installation process, visit the Google Sites Help Center for detailed instructions and guidance.
- Add layouts, texts, and photos to your site using the intuitive drag-and-drop interface.
- Select and apply a theme that matches the style and purpose of your website.
- Customize your site further by adjusting colors, fonts, and other design elements.
- Preview your site to ensure everything looks as intended.
- Once you’re satisfied with the result, publish your site to make it accessible to others.
| Wix | Google Sites | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Paid (starting at $156 per year) | Free |
| Templates | 800+ | 9 |
| Customer Support | Great | Reliable |
| eCommerce | Fully integrated | Third-party integration |
| Rating | 4.6/5.0 on Trustpilot | Overall grade of 8 |
Templates
When it comes to website design and customization, the choice of templates plays a crucial role. Both Wix and Google Sites offer templates to simplify the website building process and give users a starting point for their design. Let’s take a closer look at the template options provided by these two platforms.
Wix Templates
Wix offers an impressive collection of over 900 templates for users to choose from. These templates are categorized based on different niches and types of websites, making it easier for users to find a design that aligns with their vision. Whether you’re looking to create a portfolio website, an online store, or a blog, Wix has a template for you.
What sets Wix templates apart is their high level of customizability. Users can easily adjust elements such as layout, colors, fonts, and images to match their personal style. Additionally, all Wix templates are fully responsive, ensuring that your website looks great on any device.
Google Sites Templates
While Wix offers a wide variety of templates, Google Sites has a more limited selection. However, Google Sites templates are well-organized based on functionality. This makes it easier for users to find a suitable template for their specific needs.
Despite the limited variety, Google Sites templates are minimalistic and easy to customize. Users can quickly modify the template’s layout, format text, and add multimedia elements to create a personalized website. The simplicity of these templates makes them ideal for users who prefer a clean and straightforward design.
To summarize, Wix provides a vast array of templates with extensive customization options, allowing users to create unique and visually appealing websites. On the other hand, Google Sites offers a more streamlined selection of templates that are user-friendly and perfect for those who prefer a minimalistic design.
| Wix | Google Sites | |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Templates | 900+ | Limited |
| Customizability | Fully Customizable | Easy to Customize |
| Responsive Design | Yes | N/A |
| Categorization | Based on niches and types of websites | Based on functionality |
The Editor
When it comes to the website builder interface, both Wix and Google Sites offer their own unique editors that cater to different user preferences and needs.
The Wix Editor is a drag-and-drop visual editor that provides complete flexibility to users. With its intuitive interface, you can easily customize your website by simply dragging and dropping elements onto the page. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced user, Wix Editor offers a user-friendly platform that allows you to create a stunning website without any coding knowledge.
On the other hand, the Google Sites Editor is similar to Google Docs and offers live collaborative editing. This makes it a great choice for teams who want to work together in real-time, making updates and changes to the website simultaneously. While the Google Sites Editor may not have as many features as Wix, it focuses on essential functionalities and simplicity.
Both editors allow you to customize your websites without any coding knowledge, making it accessible for users of all skill levels.
Ease of Use
When it comes to website builders, ease of use is a crucial factor to consider. Both Wix and Google Sites offer user-friendly platforms that cater to beginners and users of all skill levels.
Wix: User-Friendly with Comprehensive Support
Wix is renowned for its ease of use and beginner-friendly approach. The platform boasts a simple yet intuitive interface that allows users to navigate effortlessly through the website building process. With Wix, you don’t need any coding knowledge to create a stunning website.
Wix understands that beginners may have questions or need assistance along the way. That’s why they provide comprehensive support, including video tutorials, a knowledge base, and a dedicated customer support team. Whether you need help with customization options, adding new features, or optimizing your site for SEO, Wix has you covered.
Google Sites: Simple and Minimalistic
If you’re looking for a website builder with a shallow learning curve and minimal design experience required, Google Sites is an excellent choice. The platform offers a straightforward interface that resembles other Google products like Docs and Sheets.
With Google Sites, you can create a simple website without any complex functionalities. It’s perfect for users who want to quickly set up an online presence or collaborate with team members. While Google Sites may not offer as many customization options as Wix, its simplicity makes it incredibly easy to use and navigate.
Overall, both Wix and Google Sites prioritize user-friendliness and make website building accessible to beginners. Whether you prefer the comprehensive support of Wix or the simplicity of Google Sites, these platforms ensure that you can create a professional-looking website without hassle.
| Wix | Google Sites |
|---|---|
| Simple interface | Easy to navigate |
| Comprehensive support | Minimal design experience required |
| Tools and features for all skill levels | Shallow learning curve |
eCommerce
When it comes to building an online store, having the right eCommerce features and tools is crucial. In this section, I will compare the eCommerce capabilities of Wix and Google Sites.
Wix eCommerce: With Wix, you get built-in eCommerce functionality that allows you to sell products directly from your website. Wix provides a comprehensive set of tools to manage your online store, including a point-of-sale system, inventory tracking, and secure payment gateways. Whether you’re selling physical products or digital downloads, Wix has you covered.
Google Sites eCommerce: On the other hand, Google Sites doesn’t have native eCommerce capabilities. However, you can integrate third-party apps like Shopify to add eCommerce functionality to your Google Sites website. While this requires some extra steps, it still allows you to sell products online.
Overall, if you’re looking for a website builder online store solution that offers a seamless eCommerce experience without the need for integrations, Wix is the way to go.
Now, let’s take a look at a detailed comparison between Wix eCommerce and Google Sites eCommerce:
| Features | Wix eCommerce | Google Sites eCommerce |
|---|---|---|
| Built-in eCommerce features | ✅ | ❌ |
| Point-of-sale system | ✅ | ❌ |
| Inventory tracking | ✅ | ❌ |
| Payment gateways | ✅ | ❌ |
| Third-party integrations required | ❌ | ✅ |
As you can see, Wix eCommerce provides a comprehensive set of features to help you sell products online seamlessly. From managing your inventory to processing payments, everything is available within the Wix platform. On the other hand, Google Sites requires you to integrate external apps for eCommerce functionality.
In conclusion, if you’re looking for a website builder with robust eCommerce capabilities, Wix is a top choice. However, if you’re already using Google Sites and want to add eCommerce functionality, integrating third-party apps like Shopify can still get the job done.
Features
When it comes to the features offered by website builders, Wix and Google Sites have distinct differences. Wix provides users with a wide range of features designed to enhance website functionality and overall performance. These features include:
- Blogging: Wix allows users to create and manage their own blog, making it easier to engage with their audience and share valuable content.
- SEO Optimization: With built-in SEO tools, Wix helps users optimize their websites for search engines, improving their online visibility and driving more organic traffic.
- Email Marketing: Wix provides email marketing capabilities, enabling users to create and send professional-looking newsletters and promotional emails to their subscribers.
- Social Media Integration: Wix allows seamless integration with social media platforms, enabling users to connect their website with their social media profiles and grow their online presence.
- App Marketplace: Wix offers a vast marketplace where users can explore and install various apps and tools to extend the functionality of their websites.
On the other hand, Google Sites focuses on providing essential features and functionalities to create simple websites and facilitate collaboration among team members. While the range of features is more limited compared to Wix, Google Sites offers integration with other Google apps, creating a cohesive digital workspace for users.
The table below summarizes the features offered by both Wix and Google Sites:
| Features | Wix | Google Sites |
|---|---|---|
| Blogging | ✓ | – |
| SEO Optimization | ✓ | – |
| Email Marketing | ✓ | – |
| Social Media Integration | ✓ | – |
| App Marketplace | ✓ | – |
| Collaboration with Google Apps | – | ✓ |
As seen, Wix offers a more extensive set of features compared to Google Sites, making it a comprehensive solution for users who require advanced tools for their websites. However, Google Sites excels in collaboration and integration with other Google apps, making it an excellent choice for teams working in a shared digital environment.
Pricing
When it comes to pricing, Wix and Google Sites offer different options to suit your needs and budget.
Wix offers a range of pricing plans starting at $156 per year. These plans vary depending on the features and functionalities you require for your website. If you’re looking for advanced features like ecommerce capabilities and priority customer support, Wix has the right plan for you.
On the other hand, Google Sites is entirely free to use, making it a budget-friendly option for users who don’t need advanced features. With Google Sites, you can create a simple yet functional website without spending anything.
In addition, Wix also provides a free plan with limited features, allowing you to try out the platform before committing to a paid plan. This is a great option if you’re just starting and want to explore the capabilities of Wix without any upfront costs.
However, it’s important to note that Google Sites does not currently offer any paid plans or upgrades. This means that if you’re in need of advanced features or customization options, Wix might be the better choice for you.
